The Supreme Court's May 21 clarification allows trials and proceedings under Section 124A (sedition) to resume for accused persons who consent to it, partially reviving the paused colonial-era provision. This decision, made in an unconnected case (Kamran vs State of Madhya Pradesh), raises concerns about constitutional questions, particularly regarding the provision's constitutionality which is still pending before the SC in the Vombatkere petitions. Critics argue it creates disparity, forcing some accused into trials under an undecided law while others remain in limbo, and undermines the fundamental right to equality before the law. The article highlights the historical context of sedition and its potential chilling effect on free speech.
- The Supreme Court's May 21 clarification allows sedition proceedings under Section 124A to resume for accused persons who willingly consent to face trial.
- This decision partially revives a colonial-era provision whose constitutionality is still under challenge in pending petitions (Vombatkere vs Union of India).
- The clarification creates a disparity, as consenting accused face trial under an undecided law, while others can remain in indefinite limbo.
The article debates whether increasing the Supreme Court's sanctioned strength from 34 to 38 judges will resolve its pendency crisis. Prashant Reddy T. and Swapnil Tripathi discuss the implications, with Reddy questioning the ordinance route for the increase and Tripathi highlighting how the large number of Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) contributes significantly to the backlog. Both agree that the Court's appellate jurisdiction has overshadowed its constitutional role. Concerns are raised that more judges could lead to greater doctrinal inconsistency, especially with two-judge benches, and that the government's inconsistent litigation policy exacerbates the problem. They emphasize the need for robust mechanisms to filter frivolous litigation, stricter time allocation, and improved gender representation.
- The recent increase in the Supreme Court's sanctioned strength to 38 judges aims to address pendency, but its effectiveness is debated.
- The high volume of Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) and the Court's reluctance to establish clear guidelines for their exercise are major contributors to the backlog.
- Concerns exist that increasing judge strength could lead to greater doctrinal inconsistency, particularly with two-judge Division Benches, and more conflicting rulings.
The article discusses the inconsistencies and ineffectiveness of India's cow protection laws, highlighting incidents of cow carcasses and the varying legal frameworks across states. Despite stringent laws in many states, cattle census data reveal a decline in cow population while buffalo populations have grown, suggesting these laws fail to achieve their objective. The authors argue that cow protection, while a central Hindutva issue, has historical political backing from parties like Congress. The article also points out that these laws economically disadvantage farmers by preventing them from culling unproductive cattle, leading to financial losses and potentially illegal sales at lower prices. It questions the constitutional validity and practical implications of such laws, citing privacy concerns and the need for a more objective assessment.
- Despite stringent cow protection laws in many Indian states, cattle census data indicate a decline in cow population and a rise in buffalo population, questioning the laws' efficacy.
- The article highlights the economic burden on farmers due to cow protection laws, as they are unable to sell unproductive cattle, leading to financial losses.
- Historically, cow protection has been a significant political issue, supported by various parties beyond just Hindutva groups.
The Supreme Court has upheld the constitutional validity of bringing organised online gaming activities with money stakes, including fantasy sports, under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. A Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan ruled that even if online gaming involves skill, the substantial money involved and uncertainty of outcome constitute betting and gambling for GST purposes. The court rejected arguments comparing online games of skill with horse-racing, noting that horse-racing is heavily regulated. It emphasized the State's duty to maintain public health, citing growing addiction and financial losses from online betting.
- The Supreme Court affirmed the constitutional validity of applying GST to organised online gaming activities with money stakes.
- The court classified such activities as betting and gambling for GST purposes, regardless of skill involvement.
- It rejected comparisons between online games of skill and highly regulated horse-racing.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the SARTHAK Public Distribution System (PDS) scheme, a five-year initiative costing ₹25,530 crore, aimed at enhancing food security across India. The scheme will integrate advanced technologies into PDS operations, covering everything from beneficiary selection to foodgrain movement and proactive citizen feedback. It also seeks to reduce transportation distances for foodgrains. This comprehensive approach is expected to streamline the PDS, making it more efficient and responsive to the needs of the beneficiaries.
- The SARTHAK PDS scheme has been approved to improve food security in India.
- It is a five-year scheme with a significant financial outlay.
- The scheme will leverage advanced technologies for efficient PDS operations.
The Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, has recommended the appointment of four High Court Chief Justices and one woman senior advocate, V. Mohana, as judges to the apex court. This move, if approved, would mark the first appointment of a woman judge to the Supreme Court after a gap of over five years, with the last being in August 2021. The recommendations aim to increase the total strength of judges to 38 and reflect a focus on regional and gender representation, addressing career inequalities for women officers.
- The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended five new appointments to the apex court.
- The recommendations include four High Court Chief Justices and one woman senior advocate, V. Mohana.
- This appointment would fill vacancies and increase the total strength of Supreme Court judges.
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, stating it breathes life into the Election Commission's mandate under Article 324 to conduct and supervise elections. The court found "cogent justifications" for the SIR, citing the long period since the last revision, large-scale additions/deletions, rapid urbanization, and migration, which could lead to repeated or defective entries. It clarified that SIR does not supplant existing laws like the Representation of the People Act but rather complements them. The court also directed that individuals whose names were wrongly deleted could challenge the EC's decision in court.
- The Supreme Court affirmed the constitutional validity of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
- SIR is deemed essential for maintaining accurate electoral rolls due to demographic changes over time.
- The court emphasized that SIR is an exercise of the Election Commission's constitutional power under Article 324.
India aims to be a global AI leader but faces significant challenges from AI-generated misinformation and identity manipulation. Advanced generative AI models can produce highly sophisticated, indistinguishable fake images, videos, and documents, posing risks of cybercrime, theft, and digital deceit. This content, easily spread on social media, makes it difficult for users to verify information, impacting academics, journalism, and institutional credibility. The article stresses the urgent need for a robust legal framework that balances innovation with accountability, safeguarding the digital ecosystem. It also highlights the importance of digital and AI literacy for the public to critically evaluate content.
- Advanced AI models can generate highly realistic fake content, leading to widespread misinformation and identity manipulation.
- This poses significant risks to cyber security, academic integrity, journalism, and public trust.
- India needs a robust legal framework to regulate AI, ensuring accountability while fostering innovation.
The article critiques Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeals for citizen restraint and self-reliance during global crises, arguing that such calls subtly shift the burden of structural problems from the state to individuals. It emphasizes that national resilience requires strong institutions, sustained public investment, and robust governance, rather than merely behavioral appeals. The author advocates for governments to invest in social protection, address economic inequality, prioritize long-term investments in education and research, strengthen transparency, and protect democratic dialogue. The piece highlights that while individual responsibility matters, it cannot substitute for fundamental institutional reforms to address systemic vulnerabilities.
- The article argues against over-reliance on citizen sacrifice during crises, advocating for stronger institutional responses.
- Governments should invest in social protection, education, and research, and address economic inequality.
- Transparency, public trust, and protection of democratic dialogue are crucial for national resilience.
The government's new rural jobs scheme, Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (VB-G RAM G), set to replace MGNREGA from July 1, will allocate higher funds to larger, poorer States. Draft rules propose using the 16th Finance Commission's horizontal devolution formula, which prioritizes States based on per capita GSDP distance. Unlike MGNREGA's 100% Centre-funded wage system, VB-G RAM G introduces a 60:40 Centre-State shared wage responsibility. From the second year, a portion of funding will also be based on 'performance criteria' such as timely wage payments and work completion.
- The new VB-G RAM G scheme will replace the 20-year-old MGNREGA from July 1.
- Funding allocation to States will be based on the 16th Finance Commission's horizontal devolution formula, prioritizing poorer States.
- The scheme introduces a shared wage responsibility between the Centre and States at a 60:40 ratio, unlike MGNREGA's 100% central funding.
The Supreme Court referred the question of whether prolonged incarceration and trial delays can override stringent bail curbs under anti-terror laws like UAPA to a larger Bench. This decision aims to ensure "parity, consistency and institutional fidelity" in applying precedents. The court also granted six months of interim bail to two accused in the 2020 Delhi riots case. The reference addresses a "perceived conflict" between a May 18 judgment, which held that prolonged incarceration can "melt down" bail embargoes, and an earlier January ruling. The court emphasized the need to balance societal interests with accused rights.
- The Supreme Court referred the question of UAPA bail curbs and prolonged incarceration to a larger Bench.
- The reference aims to resolve a conflict between recent judgments regarding the application of Section 43D(5) of UAPA.
- The court granted interim bail to two accused, Abdul Khalid Saifi and Tasleem Ahmad, in the 2020 Delhi riots case.
The Supreme Court declined to interfere with the environmental clearances granted to the Adani Group's coal block project in Madhya Pradesh's Singrauli district, primarily due to the petitioner's delay in challenging the approvals. Environmental activist Ajay Dubey had challenged an NGT order that dismissed his plea against the May 2025 environmental clearance for Mahan Energen Ltd. (an Adani Power subsidiary) on limitation grounds. The Bench, comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe, questioned the delay, noting that challenges to statutory authority orders must typically be filed within 30 days, with a 60-day extension for sufficient cause. While the petitioner argued grave environmental concerns, the SC suggested pursuing other legal remedies.
- The Supreme Court refused to intervene in the environmental clearances for an Adani coal project in Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh.
- The primary reason for the SC's decision was the petitioner's significant delay in challenging the approvals.
- Challenges to statutory authority orders under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, typically have a 30-day limitation period.
India abstained from voting on a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution urging countries to comply with climate change obligations. India expressed concern that the draft resolution "undermines" the "sacrosanct architecture" of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Despite constructive engagement in negotiations, India's concerns were not addressed. The resolution was adopted with 141 votes in favour, eight against, and 28 abstentions. India clarified that the adoption of the resolution by the General Assembly does not create binding commitments for it. The resolution welcomed the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion on states' climate change obligations.
- India abstained from a UNGA resolution on climate change obligations due to concerns it undermined the UNFCCC architecture.
- India engaged in negotiations but felt its concerns were not adequately addressed in the final draft.
- The resolution was adopted by the UNGA with a significant majority, but India stated it does not create binding commitments for it.
The article discusses the World Press Freedom Index, which ranked India 157th, and questions the reliability of such international rankings as precise judgments, while acknowledging their utility for identifying broad patterns. It highlights that Norway, ranked first, has a largely homogenous society where the media doesn't need to contest the state, unlike India's diverse and politically contested environment. The author points out the index's methodology doesn't consider the quality of journalism or racism, citing an example of a Norwegian newspaper's portrayal of PM Modi. While critics dismiss Western standards, they selectively celebrate other rankings. The article concludes that while the Indian media is under stress from market forces and state measures, the rankings are blunt instruments, useful for broad patterns but unreliable for precise judgments.
- International press freedom rankings, like the World Press Freedom Index, are useful for identifying broad patterns but are not precise judgments.
- India's ranking (157th) is contrasted with Norway's (1st), highlighting differences in societal homogeneity and media-state relations.
- The index's methodology is criticized for not accounting for journalistic quality or racial biases.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, aimed at protecting vulnerable populations, is proving counterproductive, leading to a rise in offshore online betting and gambling. Studies show a significant shift from regulated domestic platforms to illegal offshore ones, which circumvent laws and facilitate money laundering and terror financing. These offshore platforms use advanced evasion tactics like VPNs and encrypted channels, making effective regulation difficult for domestic authorities. The article highlights that paternalistic bans rarely change consumer behavior but instead push users to unregulated channels. Drawing parallels from the UAE and Sri Lanka, which are moving towards regulated licensing frameworks, the author advocates for a strong domestic regulatory framework with accountability and consumer safeguards to address the menace, generate tax revenue, and fund awareness campaigns.
- The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, intended to protect users, has inadvertently led to a surge in illegal offshore gaming.
- Offshore platforms facilitate money laundering and terror financing, using VPNs and encrypted channels to evade domestic oversight.
- Blanket bans are ineffective as they merely shift user activity to unregulated and more volatile channels.
The article argues that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), despite being a private body, benefits significantly from national symbolism, state resources, and regulatory privileges, effectively monopolizing a national sport. It contends that the BCCI's tax exemptions, amounting to thousands of crores, should be considered a form of state grant, justifying its inclusion under the RTI Act. While the Central Information Commission (CIC) recently reversed a ruling to exclude BCCI from RTI, the Supreme Court in 2015-16 affirmed that BCCI performs public duties, especially when adopting Lodha committee recommendations. The Law Commission in 2018 also supported this, citing BCCI's role as a National Sports Federation and its substantial tax exemptions. The article suggests amending Section 2(h) of the RTI Act to include bodies discharging public duties with monopoly power.
- The BCCI, despite being a private entity, benefits from state resources, regulatory privileges, and tax exemptions, making it akin to a state-supported body.
- Tax exemptions granted to the BCCI should be viewed as a form of state grant, warranting greater public scrutiny and transparency.
- The Supreme Court has previously stated that the BCCI performs public duties, especially concerning the Lodha committee recommendations.
The article argues against the Union Home Ministry's stance that Ladakh needs more districts rather than a legislature or Sixth Schedule safeguards, citing its sparse population and strategic sensitivity. The author contends that administrative decentralization through additional districts is insufficient for political agency, as districts cannot legislate on crucial matters like land protection, demographic safeguards, or cultural autonomy. The piece highlights the irony of the government's argument, reminiscent of colonial logic, especially after repeated promises of constitutional safeguards by the BJP. It draws parallels with Northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Sikkim, which received statehood despite similar challenges, emphasizing that integration comes from belonging, not just subsidies or garrisons.
- Ladakh's demand for legislative representation and Sixth Schedule safeguards is being countered by the Home Ministry's offer of more districts.
- Administrative decentralization (more districts) is deemed insufficient for genuine political agency and decision-making on critical local issues.
- The government's argument against a legislature for Ladakh is criticized as paternalistic and reminiscent of colonial logic.
The Supreme Court dismissed a petition to halt the ongoing Census 2027, which includes a caste enumeration, with the Chief Justice of India emphasizing the government's need to identify backward populations for welfare. The Modi government announced caste enumeration in April 2025, a significant policy shift. Historically, independent India avoided caste enumeration to dismantle the caste system, but also used caste identities for positive discrimination, creating a paradox. The article highlights the long delay in the decennial Census (due in 2021) and the challenges of accurate caste enumeration, as seen in the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census. While a caste census can ossify identities, it can also aid in targeted welfare measures if combined with socioeconomic indices, and people should have the option to identify as 'casteless'.
- The Supreme Court upheld the caste census, stating its importance for identifying backward populations and implementing welfare schemes.
- The Modi government reversed its previous stance to include caste enumeration in the Census 2027, the first since 1931.
- India's historical dual approach of seeking a casteless society while using caste for positive discrimination creates a policy paradox.
The Supreme Court clarified that trials and appeals in sedition cases under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code can proceed if the accused has no objection. This comes four years after the top court put a hold on sedition trials pending the government's review of the colonial-era provision. The Bench, comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, issued this clarification while hearing a plea from a man jailed for 17 years on sedition charges. The court emphasized balancing security interests with civil liberties and directed the Madhya Pradesh High Court to hear the petitioner's appeal forthwith.
- The Supreme Court clarified that sedition trials under Section 124A IPC can continue if the accused does not object.
- This ruling follows an interim order from May 2022 that put sedition trials on hold pending government review of the law.
- The court's decision aims to balance state security interests with citizens' civil liberties.
The Supreme Court is set to review the legal principle of allowing shared use of disputed religious sites, following its 2024 order to examine the 'true character' of the Bhojshala complex in Madhya Pradesh. This comes in the context of the Ram Janmabhoomi mobilisation and the Archaeological Survey of India's 2003 survey. The court's 2020 Ayodhya judgment, which allowed shared use of the disputed site, is a key precedent. The article discusses the challenges of applying the "preponderance of probability" and "faith and belief" principles in such cases, and the need for the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, to be enforced strictly, especially concerning Gyanvapi, Shahi Idgah, and the Bijamandal complex.
- The Supreme Court will examine the legal framework for allowing shared use of disputed religious sites, building on the Ayodhya judgment.
- The court's 2024 order to determine the 'true character' of the Bhojshala complex in Madhya Pradesh is a significant development.
- The Ayodhya judgment (2020) allowed shared use, applying principles of "preponderance of probability" and "faith and belief."
The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status of foreigners of Indian origin who voted in recent Tamil Nadu elections is under scrutiny. Official sources indicate that the number of such individuals has increased to over 30. Authorities are analyzing arrival and departure details of these individuals, with some arrested in Chennai and Madurai. Their OCI registration could be cancelled if obtained through fraud or false declaration. The foreigners were booked under charges of cheating and violation of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, with false declarations in OCI forms attracting action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
- The OCI status of foreign nationals of Indian origin who voted in recent Tamil Nadu elections is being investigated.
- Authorities are scrutinizing the declarations made in OCI application forms and during Special Intensive Revision.
- Fraudulent acquisition of OCI cards or false declarations could lead to cancellation of registration.
Delhi Police has urged the Supreme Court to refer the issue of UAPA bail restrictions to a larger bench, citing two conflicting judgments. This comes after the Supreme Court's May 18 ruling granting interim bail in a narco-terror case, which voiced "serious reservations" about a January 5 judgment denying bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. The police argue that the presumption of innocence takes a backseat under UAPA's statutory bail bar, and the issue requires consideration by a larger bench to reconcile the conflicting interpretations of Section 43D(5) of the UAPA, especially concerning prolonged incarceration and delay in trial.
- Delhi Police has requested the Supreme Court to constitute a larger bench to review the statutory bail restrictions under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
- The request follows conflicting judgments regarding the interpretation of UAPA's Section 43D(5) concerning bail, particularly in cases of prolonged incarceration.
- The Supreme Court's May 18 ruling, granting interim bail in a narco-terror case, expressed reservations about a January 5 judgment that denied bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to reduce spending on petroleum products, edible oils, gold, and foreign travel, signaling concern over India's rising import dependence and its impact on foreign exchange reserves and the rupee. India's merchandise trade deficit hit a record $333 billion in 2025-26, driven by increased imports of gold, edible oils, fertilizers, and electronic components. The situation is exacerbated by higher crude oil prices and the government's failure to boost domestic production in key sectors like oilseeds. The RBI is intervening to prevent a rupee free-fall, but declining reserves limit its options, highlighting a critical economic vulnerability.
- Prime Minister Modi's appeal to reduce non-essential spending highlights India's growing concern over its import bill and foreign currency reserves.
- India's merchandise trade deficit reached a record $333 billion in 2025-26, primarily due to increased imports of gold, edible oils, fertilizers, and electronic components.
- The country's heavy dependence on imported crude oil, exacerbated by global price hikes, poses a significant threat to economic stability.
The Supreme Court expressed "serious reservations" about its January judgment refusing bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the Delhi riots conspiracy case, particularly regarding the precluding of their right to seek bail for a year. The court's self-reproach, made while granting bail in a narco-terrorism case, emphasized that an accused cannot be indefinitely incarcerated merely because the state satisfies the low bar to refuse bail under UAPA. Justice Ujjal Bhuyan highlighted that "bail is the rule and jail is the exception" is a constitutional principle flowing from fundamental rights, speedy trial, and freedom from arbitrary arrests. He stressed that Section 43-D(5) of UAPA, which sets a low bar for bail denial, must be "muted" by constitutional courts and remains subordinate to Article 21, protecting personal liberty.
- The Supreme Court expressed serious reservations about its previous judgment denying bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the Delhi riots conspiracy case.
- The court criticized the indefinite incarceration of accused individuals, especially when a timely trial is not possible, and highlighted the need for constitutional courts to "mute" draconian bail provisions.
- Justice Ujjal Bhuyan reiterated that "bail is the rule and jail is the exception" is a fundamental constitutional principle derived from fundamental rights.